Obi Toppin could have an instant impact on the Golden State Warriors. Let’s see how he would fit if they choose him No. 2 overall in the NBA Draft.
Obi Toppin is being projected as the best win-now prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft. Would he be able to have an instant impact on the Golden State Warriors, or would his flaws hold them back from competing for a title?
Best Role: Stretch Big
Let’s start by looking at how Toppin would be most successful with the Warriors. While the franchise is working with a different roster than they have grown accustomed to, there isn’t any reason to overhaul the system that made them champions in the first place. This means pace-and-space will remain the gameplan moving forward.
This is great news for Toppin, who was one of the best stretch bigs in college basketball. Toppin drilled 41.7 percent of 103 total 3-point attempts during his two seasons with Dayton. He would instantly be the best shooter in the Dubs frontcourt and help spread the floor better than Eric Paschall or Draymond Green could.
Furthermore, Toppin is a solid athlete. Don’t sleep on his ability to move in transition and bully his way to the basket. Toppin would rack up a ton of easy points in the Warriors free-flowing offense.
Spot in Rotation: Fringe Starter
Finding a spot in the rotation for Toppin would be a bit difficult. The Warriors are crowded at the forward position with Eric Paschall, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Marquese Chriss already occupying minutes.
This leaves Toppin battling for his role with the team. However, if he succeeds at stretching the floor, Toppin would likely play starter minutes for the Dubs – even if he ends up coming off the bench.
Risk: Vulnerable on Defense
Though Toppin is a promising prospect on offense with a sure-fire path to success at the NBA level – it is his defensive capabilities that make him such a risky pick.
Toppin is slow-footed laterally and will be an easy target for quicker opponents. Combine this with his lack of height and he could be at risk of not being able to defend anyone in the frontcourt. This could mean trouble for the Warriors who are already vulnerable on defense without Andre Iguodala.
Drafting Toppin would mean the Warriors are confident enough in their offensive output to counteract any of the points they would inevitably give up with Toppin on the floor.